The Opposites Book Tag

I was tagged by Gloria. You can see her post here.

Basically all you have to do is answer some questions about books on your shelves. It deals with opposites!

1. The First Book in Your Collection/The Last Book You Bought

There are so many books that I had from being a kid, and the first ones I remember are Screamy Mimi and Where the Sidewalk Ends.

The last book I bought was Say What You Will. I'm still waiting for it to get here.

2. A Cheap Book/An Expensive Book

I bought a hardcover of Cinder for $4.99 on Book Outlet. It's a good website, but I've noticed that it is very hit or miss.

I bought an autographed copy of Four: A Divergent Collection for $17.99. It's not nearly as expensive of the signed copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone that I want, but it's the first book I've paid full price for in a while.

3. A Book with a Male POV/A Book with a Female POV

I'm going with the ever popular If I Stay duo. If I Stay is told from Mia's perspective, but Adam narrates Where She Went.

4. A Book that You Read Quickly/A Book that You Read Slowly

I read Anna and the French Kiss rather quickly.

The Fault in Our Stars was a really slow and boring read for me.

5. A Pretty Cover/An Ugly Cover

I'm quite fond of the cover for My Name is Memory. It is shiny and the colors are great.

I can't think of a book cover that I dislike right now... I'm sure one will come to me later.

6. A National Book/An International Book

I'm not so sure I understand this, so I am going to go with Harry Potter. Even though I know that it's set in the UK, I realize that readers in the United States are the only ones with our covers. The covers are the same in the UK and the rest of the world. I like how there are different versions of the covers. I really like the original U.S. covers, but the redesign is nice too. I really like the redesign of the UK versions, but in most of them, Harry doesn't really look like he is growing up like he does in the story.

The redesign and original US covers

Original and redesigned worldwide covers

I don't know. I love all four versions, and I hope to get the new U.S. box set and both sets of the British versions. Road trip to Canada, anyone?

7. A Thin Book/A Thick Book

I won Ghost Songs through Goodreads, and was surprised by how thin it was. I still have to read it, but I'll be sure to let everyone know how I like it.

I own quite a few thick books, and the thickest one I own is my dictionary.

8. A Fiction Book/A Nonfiction Book

I own many fiction books, so it's hard for me to choose just one. I'm going with Wonder because the story is so realistic that it hurts. If you haven't read this wonderful book, you should. I highly recommend it to everyone.

My choice for nonfiction is very near and dear to my heart. Ever since I was a little girl, I've been fascinated with the RMS Titanic. Many of my Christmas presents were books about the doomed ocean liner. My edition is different, but I couldn't find a working image of the book on my shelves.

9. A Romantic Book/ An Action Book

I have a lot of romance books on my shelves because I've read a lot of Nicholas Sparks.

For my action book, I'm going with The Hunger Games because of the games.  Need I say more?

10. A Book that Made You Happy/ A Book that Made You Sad

I laughed so hard when I read Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. I know the title is a bit morbid, but this book is hilarious.

Now for a book that made me sad. If you've read this one, you know why.

So, I'm tagging anyone who reads this to post your answers. Leave a comment with a link to yours because I'd love to see what opposites you have on your shelves.

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. Each week, you get to shine the spotlight on an upcoming release that you really want to read.

This is the first time that I've participated in Waiting on Wednesday, and I'm sure it won't be the last. It seems like a fun opportunity to share some of the books that I am dying to read, and believe me, there are plenty of them.



Today, my focus will be on an upcoming release by the lovely Lauren Oliver. As you keep reading my blog, you'll come to learn that I am a huge Lauren Oliver fan. I have been since I won Before I Fall on Goodreads. I really just love her writing style.

I was ecstatic when I found out that she was releasing an adult novel. Yes, I'm a YA fan, but I do like to read books aimed at adults, too. After all, I am an adult.

So why do I need to get my hands on this? Well, it's Lauren Oliver. First of all, I haven't read anything by her that I haven't liked.  Secondly, it's adult fiction and fantasy. I've noticed that I've been liking fantasy, so it's definitely worth a try. And lastly, it seems like the perfect book to read as the seasons begin to change and Halloween approaches.

Without further ado, here's this week's Waiting on Wednesday.


Expected Publication: September 23, 2014

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
The New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy makes her brilliant adult debut with this mesmerizing story in the tradition of The Lovely Bones, Her Fearful Symmetry, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane—a tale of family, ghosts, secrets, and mystery, in which the lives of the living and the dead intersect in shocking, surprising, and moving ways

Wealthy Richard Walker has just died, leaving behind his country house full of rooms packed with the detritus of a lifetime. His estranged family—bitter ex-wife Caroline, troubled teenage son Trenton, and unforgiving daughter Minna—have arrived for their inheritance.

But the Walkers are not alone. Prim Alice and the cynical Sandra, long dead former residents bound to the house, linger within its claustrophobic walls. Jostling for space, memory, and supremacy, they observe the family, trading barbs and reminiscences about their past lives. Though their voices cannot be heard, Alice and Sandra speak through the house itself—in the hiss of the radiator, a creak in the stairs, the dimming of a light bulb.

The living and dead are each haunted by painful truths that will soon surface with explosive force. When a new ghost appears, and Trenton begins to communicate with her, the spirit and human worlds collide—with cataclysmic results.

Elegantly constructed and brilliantly paced, Rooms is an enticing and imaginative ghost story and a searing family drama that is as haunting as it is resonant.

 I'd like to know what you're waiting on. Leave a comment here with a link to your "Waiting on Wednesday." I'll be sure to check it out. I can always add more books to my library.

If you participate, be sure to visit Breaking the Spine, and let them know you're participating by adding your name and blog URL to the Linky.

Series Review: Delirium

Sometimes, we read a series, and it sticks with us. One of those series for me was Lauren Oliver's dystopic trilogy, Delirium. Below, you'll find my reviews for all three novels.

Top Ten Tuesday (1)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and Bookish, and we compile a list of the chosen topic. This week, the topic is:

Authors I Own the Most Of

Okay, so obviously, I wanted to start participating in something while running my book blog, but this one scared me. I do a lot of book and author sampling. I took a deep breath, and examined my shelves and boxes of books, and I came up with a list. Some are technically ties, but this is what I've got. Enjoy.

1. Nicholas Sparks (20)
   I own every book written by this man in hardcover. I also have a few dupes and a few in paperback.
2. J.K. Rowling (11)
   I own the entire Harry Potter collection, including the three supplemental books to the series. I have two copies of Tales of Beedle the Bard. Other people in my home own some J.K. Rowling books, so the total count is higher; I just included my own.
3. Ann Brashares (9)
   My mom bought me a box set of the Sisterhood series when I was in elementary school. I found the fifth one, and my grandma randomly buys some of her books for me. I still have to read 3 Willows, The Last Summer (Of You and Me), and The Here and Now.
4. Laura Ingalls Wilder (8)
   My mom bought me a box set of her books when I was little because she loved Little House on the Prairie. I've never read them, but I will one day. I just didn't understand why she gave them to me.
5. Kiera Cass (4)
   Right now, I own all three books in The Selection series and the stories in paperback.
6. Veronica Roth (4)
   I own all three books in the Divergent trilogy and a hardcover of Four: A Divergent Collection.
7. Rainbow Rowell (4)
   I own all four of her books.
8. Suzanne Collins (3)
   I own all three books in The Hunger Games trilogy.
9. Lois Lowry (3)
   I own a hardcover and paperback copy of The Giver. I also have a copy of Number the Stars on my shelf, but I've never read it.
10. Sarah Ockler (3)
    I don't own all of her books, but I do have Bittersweet, The Book of Broken Hearts, and Fixing Deliah.

If you participate, leave a comment. I want to check out who most often appears on your shelves.

The Summer Book Tag

Summer. Hot days. Cool nights. Trips to your favorite amusement park. Baseball games. Corn dogs. Funnel cakes. Cotton candy. The beach. Summer is the time to kick back and relax.

Here comes my version of The Summer Book Tag. It was created by Musskaelyn on YouTube. I found it through Gloria.

If you want to play along, leave a comment with a link to your answers. Have fun!

1. Find a book cover that reminds you of summer.

2. What book has brightened your day?

3. Find a book with yellow on the cover.

4. What is your favorite beach read?

I'm not one to go to the beach to read. I actually like to do beachy activities at the beach, but I would probably just take whatever book I'm reading at the time or a contemporary novel.

5. What action book had you running to the ice cream man?

6. Like a sunburn, what book left you with a painful ending?

I cried for three weeks. I'm not even joking. I would wake up and just cry.

7. What book cover reminds you of a sunset?

9. What is one book series you hope to read this summer?

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Redesigned Cover

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Series: Anna and the French Kiss

Author: Stephanie Perkins

 Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: December 2, 2010

Format: Hardcover, first edition

Source: Purchased from Half Price Books

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

Summer Reading: Make it Count

Have you ever thought about all of those books that you read during the summer months? Have you ever looked back and wondered how many pages you've actually read? If not, now's your chance to wonder and change the world.

The people over at World Education are giving you the chance to turn those pages you read into cash for those less fortunate than you. For every page read this summer, World Education will donate $1to primary education. How cool is that? You can change lives.

You do have to log in and give some personal information, but think of all the money that will be donated to help children learn how to read. It really is sad that there are many people alive today who can't read. Let's change that.

Book Review: Before I Fall

Title: Before I Fall

Author: Lauren Oliver

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: October 25, 2010 (Originally Published on March 2, 2010)

Format: Paperback

Source: Goodreads First Reads Program

With this stunning debut novel, New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver emerged as one of today's foremost authors of young adult fiction. Like Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Gayle Forman's If I Stay, Before I Fall raises thought-provoking questions about love, death, and how one person's life can affect so many others.

For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—"Cupid Day"—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.

However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined.

My Review

If I'm being completely honest, I would have never even noticed this book if it weren't for the giveaways on Goodreads, but I am glad that I entered to win this book and actually won because it's a beautiful book. It isn't like anything that I've read before. I wouldn't call it paranormal or fantasy, but it is a nice blend of those genres with realistic fiction thrown into the mix.

Oliver's writing is addictive, and I could not get enough of Samantha's story. I literally only put the book down to get six hours of sleep and go to some classes. It's seriously that good, and many people will want to finish this book in one sitting. It is captivating. The chapters are lenghthy, but I didn't even notice that because I kept wanting to find out more about what was happening with Samantha and her repeated days. 

For those readers who have not read this, I would really hope that you take the time to read it. This book introduced me to Lauren Oliver, and I went on to read her Delirium trilogy shortly after finishing this book. Also, I would recommend this book to fans of Gayle Forman's If I Stay.

 

Giveaway

Fantasy's Ink is hosting an awesome YA giveaway. Check it out. It's your chance to pick from some awesome YA books!

Visit Fantasy's Ink Here

Series Review: The Selection

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

Source: Purchased

Add it to Goodreads

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. 

Book Review: Rebel Belle

Title: Rebel Belle

Series: Rebel Belle

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Publication Date: April 8, 2014

Source: Purchased from Half Price Books

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

My Review

When first reading the synopsis for this book, I thought that it would be an interesting  and unique book that I wouldn't want to put down. A debutant with bad ass superpowers? It seemed like a thrilling tale and the perfect combination of girly and fierceness for me. I couldn't have been more wrong. I was not impressed, and I found myself making excuses and doing other things just so I could get a break from reading this book.

I had a lot of questions while reading this book. If you haven't read it, look away from the next paragraph because there may be some spoilers. Sorry.

First of all, Harper finds herself trapped in the bathroom while a murder is going on. Seems legit, right? Then, she is forced to murder her teacher. Okay... we're getting a bit weirder. 

There are quite a few plot holes and inconsistencies in this book. After Harper kills Dr. Dupont, it is mentioned that there is a substitute teacher once. Wouldn't you think the school would address the disappearance/murders of one of their teachers? That kind of bothered me. It is an important hole in the plot that I think should have at least been mentioned again. Also, it is mentioned that Harper's sister is dead. Hawkins mentions it a lot, but never really explains her death or how it happened. I'm guessing that is supposed to be more important than lead on? I hope Hawkins addresses this in the next book because it is mentioned so many times.
 
Now for the characters of the book. Harper really, really annoyed me. I can't even begin to list the many things that bothered me about her. It would probably take all day, so let's just assume that I dislike pretty much everything about Harper Price after reading the book and getting to know her. Now for Harper's boyfriend, Ryan. He seems pretty cool. By the time I finished this book, I felt like I really didn't know anything about him. I guess we'll learn more about him in the next book. David is actually one of the only characters I liked in this book. There are so many levels to his character, and I'm sure he will be even more interesting in the next book. Harper's great aunts are interesting ladies. I enjoyed reading about them, and I think I would much rather have read an entire book about them, especially the twins.

I don't know how to take this book. I don't live in the South, but it seemed like there were a lot of stereotypes mentioned. I don't know how Southern ladies would feel about how Hawkins writes about them.

Honestly, I don't know if I want to continue with this series. I feel like I lost brain cells while reading this book. I should have known I wouldn't have liked it, especially because there was no advance praise anywhere on the book, but I wanted to give it a chance.

Reviewer's Note: The little ribbons on the first page of every chapter are adorable. But now I'm off to figure out what this hummingbird cake is...  

Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Title: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Series: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Author: Jenny Han

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: April 15, 2014

Source: Purchased from Half Price Books 

Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once?

Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

Book Review: The Queen of the Tearling

U.S. Cover

Title: The Queen of the Tearling

Series: The Queen of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: July 8, 2014 (Originally Published on October 31, 2013)

Source: Purchased

On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend…if she can survive.

My Review

Emma Watson

I've noticed that there is a lot of hype about this book, especially because the movie rights have already been sold and Emma Watson is set to star in and produce the movie. 

I've also noticed that there are more negative reviews on this book than I thought there would be. That is truly upsetting because The Queen of the Tearling is rightfully a great debut novel by Erika Johansen. 

That being said, I only gave it four stars because parts of it are confusing. I did find myself rereading sections and pages just to make sense of some things and events. I'd say, with certainty, that the book did lack some explanation.

What you need to know is that this book is set in the future, but it is a future that rejects technology. I went into it with a very vague idea of it (I feel like going in blind helps me to really make my own decisions), and at first, I thought it was set in the past. The people in this futuristic society live like people in the Middle Ages, but Johansen claims that they have found a new land. That part is kind of unrealistic because we all know that there isn't any new land to claim. There are references to things that we know in our world, like many of the books that we've read. Those books sit on Kelsea's shelves, and she has read many of the same books that we have (Harry Potter being one of them).

The book itself tells the great and empowering story of Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, the heir to the Tearling throne. She was raised by foster parents (away from the kingdom) for her protection. During her time with her foster parents, she is taught many things about her kingdom, but a lot, like important parts of history,  are left out of her education. They teach her the languages of the bordering kingdoms. They do not tell her anything about her mother, though. I found it a bit odd that her foster parents wouldn't teach her about her mother. If they had, Kelsea could have a better idea of the queen that she wants to be and what she should avoid to win over her people.

This is a book that you really want to take your time with while reading it. I am usually a quick reader, but there is just something about this book that makes you want to savor it so it lasts just a little longer. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. It is a seriously great fantasy, and I cannot wait until the release of the second book in the trilogy. 

Series Review: Matched

Title: Matched

Series: Matched

Author: Ally Condie

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: November 30, 2010

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Book Review: Where She Went

Title: Where She Went

Series: If I Stay

Author: Gayle Forman

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication Date: April 5, 2011

It's been three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life.
And three years he's spent wondering why.
When their paths cross again in New York City, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.
Adam finally has the opportunity to ask Mia the questions that have been haunting him. But will a few hours in this magical city be enough to lay their past to rest, for good - or can you really have a second chance at first love?

Book Review: Landline

Title: Landline

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Source: Purchased from Target

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

My Review

Warning: Some foul language. But only what Rainbow tweeted and includes in her book. 

 

I feel like I waited an eternity to get my hands on a copy of this book. I entered every giveaway possible on Goodreads and on other websites because I NEEDED this book in my life. You see... I somehow became a huge Rainbow Rowell fangirl (forgive the pun). Alas, I did not win it, so I had to wait until it came out to buy it. Needless to say, I got myself to Target on release day and purchased it.

It's definitely not my favorite Rainbow Rowell book, but is sure is sweetly captivating and hella entertaining. And who doesn't love the idea of a "magic fucking phone" that someone can use to call someone in the past? I loved that idea. It made for an entertaining novel with some unexpected events. Seriously... I want a phone like that!

There are some killer pop culture references in this one, my favorite being the one about Amy Sherman-Palladino, my favorite TV writer/producer. Like I've said before, I feel like reading a Rainbow Rowell book reminds me so much of watching a Amy Sherman-Palladino show. (Gilmore Girls and Bunheads). On a side note, can you imagine how freaking awesome it would be if these two women did some sort of collaboration. We need to make it happen. OMG. I just love how Rainbow includes all these pop culture tidbits in her novels because it really sets the scene. It makes the reader feel like they know her characters wholly because you know all of their likes and dislikes. 

The writing in this one is okay. I felt like it dragged on a bit, but otherwise, I really enjoyed this unique, new novel. 

Also, the rumors are true that Georgie will encounter a couple from one of Rainbow's other novels in this book! I won't ruin it for you, but I will tell you that they aren't named in this book. You actually have to remember their physical descriptions... So reread her other books if you must!

Anyways, this is an adorable book about trying to fix what you think is ruined, and I'm glad that I was so patient to wait for it.

Book Review: Eleanor and Park

Title: Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

 Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: February 26, 2013

Source: Purchased from Amazon

Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

My Review

All in all, I was really impressed by this book by Rainbow Rowell. It was the first book that I read by this author, and I am now a fan! I will admit that I was frustrated with the ending of the novel, but it seems many people were as well. But hey... that's what reading is all about. Not everything gets tied up perfectly because life is messy. Ms. Rowell makes her novel that much more realistic by not tying things up nicely. Sometimes, there isn't a perfect ending in life, and books that give that message are, at least to me, one hundred percent more perfect because they show that life isn't perfect.

Other than that, I really did enjoy this book. It was a cute tale of two kids who fall in love but realize they aren't really right for each other. It is also a serious novel with the many things that Eleanor has gone through in her life. It is something that I think teenagers should read because it's not just a book about falling in love. It's about falling in love when your whole world is collapsing. It's dangerous. It's stunning. It shows that so many people really have it worse than you do, and that is something we all need to understand to become better people.

I would be thrilled to see a sequel to this novel to learn more about Eleanor and her life after she left town. I think she still has quite a bit to tell us. On the other hand, I think Park has a story of his own to tell. Even if we don't get a sequel, these two characters have made me think, and that's the wonderful thing about reading.

I would recommend this book for fans of contemporary YA novels, but also for fans of the ABC Family show The Fosters.

Reviewer's Note: If you haven't done so already, check out some of the fan art for Eleanor and Park. It is fabulous. You can even find some of it in the Collector's Edition of Eleanor & Park from Barnes & Noble.